Our
goal is to stimulate interdisciplinary, innovative research and
education related to aging issues. We support collaboration of U.Va.
faculty across all disciplines to address critical issues affecting the
aging population such as quality of life, health care, housing, and
public policy.

John Nesselroade, Hugh Scott Hamilton Professor of Psychology has been awarded the distinction of Honorary Lifetime Associate by his colleagues throughout by The Center for Optimal Adult Development (COAD). This award is provided to a "difference maker" within the multidisciplinary fields of Adult Development.

The Institute on Aging partnered with the Alzheimer's Association of Virginia, Central and Western Virginia Chapter's application to the Administration on Aging resulting in the Association receiving a generous grant. The Association is actively seeking family participants for their Connections home visitation program in the following counties: Culpeper, Orange, Madison, Rappahannick, and Fauquier. Trained students and volunteers will visit the person with memory loss in their home and will help to engage them in meaningful activity through the use of the Alzheimer’s Association’s Connections Program. Often, caregivers are at a loss for what to do at home all day, or they simply need a break from the 24/7 responsibilities of caregiving. Please call their Care Coordinator, Cathryn Astin, on the Helpline at 800-272-3900 if you are interested.

In the U.S., the Institute on Aging at the University of Virginia has been carrying out studies in practical applications of what it calls "body area sensor networks" to promote senior independent living.

U.Va. Awarded $2.5 Million to Study and Prevent Older Drivers' Motor Vehicle Crash Injuries -
Senior driving safety and mobility are among the U.Va. Institute on Aging's most important activities, said Donna Hearn, its executive director. The institute, a University-wide initiative reporting to U.Va.'s vice president for research, serves as a catalyst and coordinator for interdisciplinary research on critical issues for the aging population. This grant continues the institute's efforts to facilitate research that will save lives and promote independent living for America's rapidly growing aging population.

U.Va. launches Website for Alzheimer's and Dementia Care The University of Virginia School of Medicine on Sunday unveiled "Memory Commons," an interactive, first-of-its-kind educational website for physicians and health care professionals that focuses on Alzheimer's disease and dementia.

The Institute on Aging hosted the December meeting of Aging in Place Business Roundtable. Angela Staples, Research Assistant Professor of Psychology, outlined her current research as a Principal Investigator for a National Institute on Aging-funded study. If you would like to get involved in Angela’s study, she is seeking volunteers age 60 and over for a two-hour study. Participation involves one-on-one conversations with other people over a video link and filling out questionnaires both before and after the conversations. Volunteers will be compensated $30 for their participation. Please call her lab at (434) 924-3600 or e-mail for more information.

In an Aging 101 lecture this past October, Dr. Barrett
spoke about why diabetes is becoming more common and expensive, and how
we may effectively treat or prevent its onset as we age.

Audience
members clearly found Barrett’s lecture informative and even
inspiring. One person commented: “his presentation was
motivating and inspiring . . . [it convinced] me to be more careful of
what goes into my mouth and be more diligent about exercising
more.” Another wrote: “this was the most easily understood of
all presentations, articles on diabetes. Excellent & so
helpful!” That same person added: “the Institute on Aging is
one of the major ‘perks’ for seniors who live in the Charlottesville
area!”Listen to Lecture, Question & answer session